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During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink and other physical needs during daylight hours (such as smoking or sex). But Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking - it is a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God and practice self-discipline and sacrifice.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam - the five activities that shape a Muslim's life. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is an annual observance - Muslims take an entire month out of their lives to observe this ritual and rededicate themselves to worship and faith.
Muslims are called upon to use this month to reevaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends and do away with bad habits - essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but also from evil actions, thoughts and words.
The physical effects of the fast are felt by Muslims as a reminder of those who suffer throughout the year - the poor, homeless and refugees - who cannot meet their basic needs. It reminds Muslims not to be wasteful and to feel empathy for those who face hunger on a daily basis. We should feel gratitude for the bounties of Allah: Clean water, sufficient healthy food, the comfort of a home and the health of our family members. There are so many in the world who survive without these basic needs, and Ramadan is a time for us to give thanks and reaffirm our commitment to helping those in need.
We should be reminded of this during the breaking of the fast as well. I know many who gain weight over this month. We need to abstain from overindulging in food! Fifteen hours of fasting is not equivalent to the suffering most feel around the globe. And this number has increased, proven by the fact that 7.5 billion people now inhabit this Earth that Allah (SWT) so beautifully crafted for us! Please, have a small meal of dates and milk, then turn to pray. We need to be a lot more sincere than we are right now.
During Ramadan, every part of our bodies must be cleansed. This ablution is done by restraining the tongue from backbiting and gossiping, as we always should. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must give in charity and not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must stay away from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places.
Therefore, fasting is not merely physical but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint - a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and refocus on the worship of God and charity to mankind.
To non-Muslims, I hope you all have a blessed month.
Till the next article insha Allah.
By Sana Kalim
